Mustard Essential Oil: 10 Health Uses

Mustard essential oil has numerous healing capabilities, treating everything from hair loss to lack of appetite. This essential oil, which is mild in color but strong in scent, is extracted by steam distillation from mustard seeds soaked in water. If you were to take a whiff of mustard oil, your eyes would likely water. Indeed, it’s not unlike the smell of horseradish. Its color, however, is usually on the clear side, though it may have a slight yellow tinge to it. The medicinal properties of the oil can be attributed to it natural stimulant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-rheumatic and tonic properties. (1) Learn more about this potent oil below!

Mustard Essential Oil Health Uses

1. Stimulates Circulation

If you struggle with poor circulation, you may want to consider trying mustard oil. Mustard essential oil has strong stimulant properties that work to boost circulation. Furthermore, it can help the digestion process. The oil works by stimulating the secretion gastric juices and bile from the spleen to promote healthy digestion. (2)

2. Boosts Appetite

Mustard essential oil naturally boosts appetite by stimulating hunger. It works by slightly irritating the inner lining of the stomach and intestines to stimulate digestive juices. This, then, will make you feel hungry. Using mustard essential oil to stimulate appetite may be a great solution for those who are wanting to gain weight in a healthy manner.

3. Fights Bacterial Infections

Also on the list of mustard essential oil health uses is fighting infections. The antibacterial properties of mustard essential oil can help fight bacterial infections both internally and externally. Internally, the oil can help fight infections as a natural antibiotic in the colon digestive system and urinary tract. Externally, it can help treat bacterial infections on the skin. (3)

4. Prevents Fungal Infections

The anti-fungal properties of mustard oil can help prevent fungal infections from forming. This is possible because the oil contains allyl isothiocyanate, which works to inhibit fungal growth and stop any present infections from spreading. (4)

In fact, one study shows how mustard oil is effective as inhibiting fungi growth. Researchers in the study tested various oils by using them on rye bread that had been spoiled by fungi. They found that mustard oil was indeed the most effective. This, researchers found, is due to the allyl isothiocynate compound.

5. Works as an Insect Repellent and Protects Skin

The summer months and humid areas can be a disaster when it comes to staving off insects. And with all the questionable ingredients added to commercial and conventional bug spray, it’s easy to see why one would want to avoid such products. Mustard essential oil, however, can be used as a natural insect repellent. It works to repel insects in a fumigant or vaporizer, or on its own as a natural insect spray. The bonus is that it’s a much better alternative to the commercial insect repellents that contain harmful chemicals.

Protect Your Skin!

It can also work as an alternative to sunscreen, but be sure to use in low quantities. Furthermore, you can use this oil to lighten your skin tone and fight signs of aging.

6. Promotes Healthy Hair

Is your hair falling out? May you’ve wondered what can you do to prevent the development of gray hairs. And, chances are, you or someone you know has dealt with dandruff or an itchy scalp. If any of this sounds familiar, mustard oil may be able to help you. It promotes healthy hair in several aspects.

Mustard essential oil contains oleic and linoleic acid, fatty acids that work to revitalize hair. The oil’s stimulating effects increase blood circulation in the scalp while the fatty acids work to nourish the hair. (5) Mustard essential oil can stimulate hair growth, prevent premature graying, and get rid of dandruff as well as treat an itchy scalp.

7. Prevents Phlegm

Excess phlegm is not only gross, it can make breathing exceedingly difficult. When you have a cold or are suffering from allergies, congestion is surely on its way. Help fight off these awful cold and allergy symptoms by using mustard oil to clear your lungs and throat. Mustard oil provides a warming sensation that works on the respiratory system. It protects the lungs, nose and throat from congestion to keep respiratory problems at bay.

8. Promotes Sweating

If you’re looking for a good way to help your body rid itself of toxins, mustard oil may be the way to go. This is because mustard essential oil has the ability to stimulate the sweat glands. By stimulating the body to sweat, mustard oil can help lower body temperature and remove toxins, excess salts and excess water from the body.

9. Works as a Toner

It’s not just your face that benefits from toning! Your insides need toning, as well, and mustard oil can help in that regard. Mustard essential oil works as a natural toner for every part of the body. The oil is a natural an all-around tonic that can help boost the immune system while strengthening and revitalizing the body.

10. Reduces Arthritis Symptoms

If you struggle from arthritis, you know how painful symptoms can be. In some cases, the pain can be severe enough to affect quality of life. Mustard oil, however, can be used as a natural remedy for pain related to rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. It works to provide relief for symptoms of rheumatism and arthritis thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. (6)

Do you ever feel a numbness or tingly sensation deeply within your muscles? Mustard essential oil can help with that, as well! Massaging it into the affected area can help you regain sensation in muscles that are tingly or numb.

Caution: While mustard oil has a great number of benefits, any essential oil should be used with caution, especially for a first-time use. It should be noted that no toxic side effects have been reported from mustard oil use, however the oil can have an irritating effect on the mucus membranes. If you have never used mustard oil, start with a small amount to make sure you are not overly sensitive to its effects.

Lindsey Shaffer is a writer and editor for DavidWolfe.com and holds a B.A. in Professional Writing and Editing. She is a health and fitness enthusiast and a world traveler with a love of coffee and a passion for adventure.